Thursday January 3 Ag News

Hail Know project receives Excellence in Extension Team award 

Hail Know, a project developed by a team of inventive Nebraska Extension faculty, received the Excellence in Extension Team award at the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference Annual Banquet Nov. 27 in Kearney.

Faculty team members from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture include Roger Elmore, Extension cropping systems agronomist and agronomy professor, Chris Proctor, weed management Extension educator and Daren Redfearn, Extension forage crop residue specialist.

Hail Know was developed and launched in January 2018 to create timely and relevant programming to answer growers’ questions when hail storms strike. Hail storms cause catastrophic damage across North America, and in particular, Nebraska. Hail events are unpredictable and regionalized with variable degrees of damage. With these uncertainties, it is challenging for Extension programming to deliver relevant, just-in-time learning.

Coupled with actively engaging Nebraska crop producers, the team developed creative strategies to address this problem. The project team identified resource gaps and developed a hail resource package consisting of a new website, cropwatch.unl.edu/hail-know/, that serves as the resource hub for hail-related information. This online resource features videos, graphics and articles in climate science, agronomy, engineering, agricultural technology, economics and disaster education.

An infographic and video series, targeted to producers, was created to focus on six hail event components: 1) The Hail Storm; 2) Assess My Damage; 3) Handle My Insurance; 4) Replant My Crop; 5) Manage My Recovering Crop and; 6) Are Cover Crops For Me?.

“Hail Know was created to build upon and expand Nebraska Extension’s hail-related programs,” said Ashley Mueller, Extension’s disaster education coordinator and project lead. “In the aftermath of a hailstorm we want growers to know that they can turn to Nebraska Extension for the answers and certainty they need to make sound, research-based decisions to manage their crop.”

The team diligently and consistently shared resources with their target audiences at outreach events and on social media using #HailKnow. During the 2018 growing season, team members contributed to three post-hail workshops in Holdrege, York and Central City. Workshop information was used to develop four additional post-hail presentations, specifically for late-season hail events in corn and soybean systems.

According to nominator Roch Gaussoin, agronomy and horticulture professor, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Hastings expressed the value of the project deliverables, sharing “they meet a documented need in the region.”

“The Hail Know team embodies the meaning of timely, relevant and innovative, serving as an example of a cohesive and successful interdisciplinary team for university outreach and stakeholder engagement," said Gaussoin.

The team is currently preparing for the winter program season and beyond. Additional grant applications are being prepared to expand the objectives of the original project.

Other Hail Know team members include the following county-and campus-based educators and state extension specialists:
    Ashley Mueller, team leader, Extension educator and disaster education coordinator
    Tyler Williams, cropping systems Extension educator
    Nathan Mueller, Extension educator
    Al Dutcher, associate Nebraska state climatologist
    Robert Klein, Western Nebraska crops specialist
    Paul Jasa, Extension engineer
    Justin McMechan, crop protection and cropping systems specialist
    Jenny Rees, Extension educator
    Corey Walters, assistant professor of agricultural economics

This project was created through partnerships within the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and included IANR Media and the Jacht Ad Agency, the student-managed advertising agency in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

The development of Hail Know was funded by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Smith-Lever special needs grant with matching funds from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.



COMMERCIAL, NONCOMMERCIAL PESTICIDE TRAINING AVAILABLE FEBRUARY THROUGH APRIL

Registration for training is now available for Nebraska's commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators seeking first-time certification, or recertification of their license, to use or purchase restricted-use pesticides in 2019. The statewide training is coordinated through the Nebraska Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program from February through April.

Commercial and noncommercial applicators whose licenses expire in April are to be mailed a schedule booklet showing certification information and dates. The booklet also is available at local extension offices; by calling the Pesticide Safety Education Program at 800-627-7216 or 402-472-1632; or by visiting https://pested.unl.edu/documents/2019-psep-training-booklet.pdf.

In 2019, about 3,200 commercial and noncommercial applicators need to be recertified. They include fumigators, ornamental and turf applicators, exterminators and others, said Clyde Ogg, Nebraska Extension pesticide safety educator.

“Commercial applicators are those using restricted-use pesticides, and in some cases, general-use pesticides, on a contract or for-hire basis,” Ogg said. “Noncommercial applicators are those applying these same pesticides to sites owned by an employer, or for a governmental agency or political subdivision of the state.”

Separate Extension training opportunities will be held for dicamba products XtendiMax, FeXapan and Engenia, classified as restricted-use pesticides since 2017. It is a federal requirement to complete this state-approved dicamba training prior to using the three products, due to the potential for drift and damage to nontarget crops. This fall, the Environmental Protection Agency extended registration for these products through Dec. 20, 2020. Annual training is required. See https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#dicamba for training information beginning Jan. 2.

Advance registration is required for all initial commercial and noncommercial applicator training, as well as most other training sessions. Each applicator pays an $80 fee, regardless of the number of training sessions. Required initial training study materials range from $10 to $30 per manual, depending on category. Nebraska Department of Agriculture licensing is an additional $90.

Initial certification requires passing a general-standards exam, in addition to one or more specific applicator category exams. Applicants can study by themselves, though Ogg said the best results combine training with study materials before taking the exams.

Recertification opportunities are available at extension offices in February and March, and at several annual conferences and trade association meetings. The best opportunity for commercial applicators to recertify in the agricultural plant category and demo/research subcategory, other than by examination, will be at Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics in January.

Extension conducts the training programs, while the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issues the licenses. Nebraska Department of Agriculture testing is offered at initial training locations; in addition is computer-based testing for several categories at various testing centers. For information about this testing, visit http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/pearson_vue_testing.html. Questions about individual applicator license status should be directed to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or 877-800-4080.

Initial certification in several categories is offered at the following locations and dates. Each site offers some of the 19 categories; check the schedule booklet or website for details. Those seeking initial certification must pre-register for one of the following training sessions and purchase study materials at least 10 days in advance. Pre-register at http://pested.unl.edu.

INITIAL COMMERCIAL/NONCOMMERCIAL TRAINING DATES
The start time is 8:30 a.m. Note the change in location for Madison County. Available categories vary at each location; check the pesticide applicator education schedule booklet for details. Pre-registration is required at https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#commercial.
> Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, 1115 W. Scott St., March 19.
> Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, 2610 14th St., Feb. 26.
> Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Highway 34, Feb. 5 and 26.
> Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Feb. 5 and 26, April 11.
> Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S. 13th St., Feb. 5 and 28, March 19.
> North Platte: Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, Feb. 12 and 28, March 19, April 11.
> Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road, Feb. 12, March 19, April 11.
> O’Neill: Holt County Annex, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, April 18.
> Scottsbluff: Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I, Feb. 12, 26 and 28; April 11.

RECERTIFICATION COMMERCIAL/NONCOMMERCIAL TRAINING DATES
The start time is 9 a.m. Note the change in location for Madison County. Available categories vary at each location; check the pesticide applicator education schedule booklet for details. Pre-registration is required at https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#commercial.
> Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, 1115 W. Scott St., Feb. 19, March 12 and 21.
> Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, 2610 14th St., Feb. 21, March 21.
> Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Highway 34, Feb. 7 and 19.
> Holdrege: Phelps County Fairgrounds, Ag Center, 1308 Second St., Feb. 13, March 26.
> Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Feb. 7 and 21, March 28.
> Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S. 13th St., Feb. 7, 13 and 19; March 12.
> North Platte: Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, Feb. 14 and 19, March 21.
> O'Neill: Holt County Annex, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, Feb. 14, March 21.
> Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road, Feb. 14, March 21 and 26.
> Scottsbluff: UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I, Feb. 7 and 21, March 26.

Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics also are a great way to recertify in the agricultural pest control-plant category. Pre-register online for $80 at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc to attend one of the following:
> Jan. 9 – Gering, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
> Jan. 10 – North Platte, Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers St.
> Jan. 15 – La Vista, La Vista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway
> Jan. 17 – York, Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
> Jan. 23 or 24 – Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, Northeast Community College, 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
> Jan. 28-29 – Kearney, Nebraska Crop Management Conference, Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Road (Pre-registration is required. Recertification is available either day at $80 per day or both days for $150.)

Recertification also is available at annual trade organization conferences. Conferences offering these opportunities for specific categories include:
> Nebraska Turfgrass Conference: Jan. 8-10, La Vista Conference Center, 12540 Westport Parkway, La Vista. Recertification in ornamental and turf pest control. Pre-register at http://www.nebraskaturfgrass.com or call the Nebraska Turfgrass Association at 402-472-5351.
> Nebraska Urban Pest Management Conference: Feb.  21-22, The Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th St., Lincoln. Recertification in structural/health-related pest control, wood-destroying organisms, fumigation and public health. Pre-register at http://nspca.org or call the Nebraska State Pest Control Association, 402-476-1528, for copies of the program and registration information.
> Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Convention: Feb. 19-20, The Cornhusker Hotel, Lincoln. Recertification in ag plant and aerial pest control. For more information, email taylor@youraam.com or call the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association at 402-761-2211.

    

2019 TRAINING COVERS PESTICIDE LABEL CHANGES, AVOIDING OFF-TARGET MOVEMENT

About 6,500 private applicators of restricted-use pesticides will have their state licenses expire in 2019. For them, or for anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, Nebraska Extension training is available in one of about 200 sessions from January through April.

In addition to the traditional sessions, a newly revamped, more user-friendly online private self-study training is available from the Pesticide Safety Education Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. For more information, visit https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2018/online-rup-private-applicator-training-revamped.

Every three years, a private applicator must attend a training session or self-study course approved by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture or pass an NDA exam for license renewal. Once licensed, applicators may purchase, handle or apply restricted-use pesticides. Fees are separate for extension training and Nebraska Department of Agriculture licensing.

In addition, separate annual extension training sessions will be held for the dicamba products XtendiMax, FeXapan and Engenia. Completing state-authorized training prior to using these products is a federal requirement, due to the potential for drift and damage to nontarget crops. As information is updated, it will be listed at https://pested.unl.edu/dicamba. The three products have been classified as restricted-use pesticides since 2017. This fall, the Environmental Protection Agency extended registration for the three products through Dec. 20, 2020.

Following the label instructions for safety and to prevent damage from herbicides is increasingly important, said Clyde Ogg, Nebraska Extension educator and Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator.

“The burden is on the applicator to investigate, read, understand, go to training programs and know what you’re doing before you ever even set foot in the field,” Ogg said. “You are responsible if that product moves off your property and damages your neighbor’s crops or plants.”

The Pesticide Safety Education Program, in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, updates training and educational materials in light of changing products, equipment, research, and federal and state regulations. New pesticide label requirements, for example, help protect endangered species habitat, as well as help thwart weed resistance and off-target movement of pesticides. Labels are becoming increasingly lengthy and more specific in instructions, Ogg said, but must be followed.

“The label is the law,” he said, adding that each label, even of the same product, must be read and followed because of potential variations.

Other Pesticide Safety Education Program training topics for 2019 include protecting pollinators, updates on glyphosate and paraquat, avoiding temperature inversions, calibrating and cleaning out sprayer equipment, correct use of nozzles and other application equipment, and integrated pest management, in addition to laws and regulations.

Participants will again use the updated EC130 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska to learn how to use label information, such as chemical group numbers as well as nonchemical techniques, to reduce development of pesticide-resistant pests. The comprehensive guide, normally $15, is included with registration.

Applicators to be recertified in 2019 will be notified in two ways: by mail through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and through local extension offices.

Private applicators needing recertification should expect a Nebraska Department of Agriculture notification letter by mid-December. The letter includes a bar code that eliminates the need to complete the standard application form. Applicators also should check their licenses for the expiration date. If it expires in 2019 and they have not yet received a letter from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, they should contact the agency at 402-471-2351 or 877-800-4080.

The cost of extension’s private session training is $40; Nebraska Department of Agriculture licensing for private applicators is a separate $25.

Detailed information is available at http://pested.unl.edu or through the following direct links. Pre-registration is encouraged by contacting extension offices. Dates may still be added in late December.

For private initial, or first-time, certification training locations, dates and contacts, visit https://edmedia.wufoo.com/reports/2019-psep-private-training-dates. Extension training is $40.

> For private recertification training locations and dates, visit https://edmedia.wufoo.com/reports/2019-psep-private-training-dates. Extension training is $40.

> For the revamped and improved private online self-study training, visit https://psep.education/applicator. Extension training is $75.

> Applicators with both private and commercial/noncommercial licenses may find extension’s Crop Production Clinics helpful. For more information, visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. The cost is $80.

Another option of becoming certified or recertified is by completing a self-study course with printed materials, available at extension offices. This is the last year for this option, which is $60.

In case of inclement weather and possible cancellations for extension training sessions, listen to a local radio or television station, or call the training site.

For more information about pesticide safety, visit http://pested.unl.edu.



Fischer Announces Committee Assignments for 116th Congress

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today announced her committee assignments for the 116th Congress. She will serve on the following Senate committees: Armed Services Committee; Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Senator Fischer released the following statement:
“As I begin my second term in the U.S. Senate, I’m excited to continue my committee work. Whether it’s modernizing our country’s nuclear enterprise, investing in roads and broadband infrastructure, or opening up new possibilities for our ag producers, there are a number of opportunities to achieve meaningful results for Nebraskans. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the respective committee chairmen to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”



JANUARY 15 DEADLINE FOR FARMERS TO SIGN UP FOR CROP INSURANCE PREMIUM REDUCTION FOR USING COVER CROPS

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today reminded farmers about the Jan. 15, 2019 deadline to sign up for an innovative new program providing a $5 per acre premium reduction on their crop insurance in 2019 for farmers who planted cover crops this past fall.

“We continue to see interest in cover crops growing across the state. This program can be an important tool to help farmers as they increase cover crop acres beyond what might be eligible for other state and federal programs,” Naig said. “We have created a new online application process to make it as easy as possible for farmers to sign up and participate in the program.”

Farmers and landowners can sign up online to certify eligible land for the program at www.cleanwateriowa.org/covercropdemo. Cover crop acres currently enrolled in state and/or federal programs are not eligible for this program.

The new premium reduction will be available for fall-planted cover crops with a spring-planted cash crop. Some policies may be excluded, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements. Participating farmers must follow all existing good farming practices required by their policy and work with their insurance agent to maintain eligibility.

The Department worked with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), who oversees the federal crop insurance program, to establish the 3 year demonstration project aimed at expanding the usage of cover crops in Iowa. This is the second year of the demonstration project. More than 700 farmers participated in the inaugural year of the program, using cover crops on nearly 170,000 acres.



Iowa Learning Farms Webinar is a Conservation Chat with Secretary Naig

Iowa Learning Farms starts their 15th year by hosting a webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 12:30 p.m. featuring Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

The webinar discussion between Jacqueline Comito, Iowa Learning Farms program director, and Secretary Naig will include the topics of conservation, water quality and the Secretary’s vision for Iowa.  They will also discuss the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and how Iowans are working to meet the nitrogen and phosphorus loss reductions outlined in the strategy. Webinar participants will be able to submit questions for Secretary Naig during the webinar through the Zoom Webinar software.

To participate in the webinar, go to www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars  shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 16 and choose to join the webinar. The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website for watching at any time at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars and will also be available as a Conservation Chat podcast for download and streaming.



USGC Rolls Out Report Citing High Quality, Near-Record Yield

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is rolling out the good news that a warm and moist growing season resulted in near-record yields and good quality for the 2018 corn crop.

The 2018/2019 Corn Harvest Quality Report is the Council’s eighth annual corn quality survey. According to it, the majority of 2018 corn crop conditions were rated as good or excellent during the growing season, leading to strong plant health, good kernel size and a projected crop of 371.52 million metric tons (14.626 billion bushels), the third-largest crop on record.

“The Council is pleased to offer this report as not only a service to our partners, but also as fulfillment of our mission to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives,” said Jim Stitzlein, USGC chairman. “The Council is committed to the furtherance of global food security and mutual economic benefit through trade, and we hope this report continues to provide readers accurate and timely insight into the quality of the 2018 U.S. corn crop.”

The Council has already begun its annual roll-out events - in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines - with unprecedented interest from more than 370 buyers and others interested in the state of U.S. corn, co-products and sorghum and will offer a series of roll-outs and road shows in locations around the world this month. During these events, crop quality information is accompanied by presentations on U.S. corn grading and handling, which helps provide a better understanding of how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.

The report showed 93.9 percent of tested U.S. corn samples rated at U.S. Grade No. 2 or better; this was largely the result of a warm, wet vegetative period and a moderate pollination and grain-filling period. The drier, moderate temperatures during the second half of the growing season promoted healthy plants, good test weights and low kernel damage.

Average test weight of 58.4 pounds per bushel (75.1 kilograms per hectoliter) was higher than the five-year average and indicates good kernel filling and maturation. Average 100-kernel weight of 35.07 grams was lower than 2017, but above the five-year average.

All but one sample, or 99.5 percent of samples, tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for aflatoxin (20 parts per billion). One-hundred percent of the samples tested below the FDA advisory level for deoxynivalenol (DON), or vomitoxin, for chicken, cattle, hogs and other animals.

The 2018/2019 Corn Harvest Quality Report provides timely information about the quality of the current U.S. corn crop at harvest as it enters international merchandising channels. This information will be supplemented by a second report, the 2018/2019 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report, scheduled for early 2019, that measures corn quality at export terminals at the point of loading for international shipment.

“The Council’s series of quality reports uses consistent and transparent methodology to allow for comparisons across time,” Stitzlein wrote in the USGC’s report greeting. “This enables buyers to make well-informed decisions and have confidence in the capacity and reliability of the U.S. corn market.”

Council staff globally will continue their roll-outs and roadshows including presentations, meetings and conferences through the first quarter of 2019 and aim to arm participants with clear expectations regarding the quality of corn for this marketing year.

Additional roll-out events are scheduled this month in Mexico, Colombia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, North Africa and the Middle East.



NCGA Welcomes New Congress
   
The National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp, First Vice President Kevin Ross, and Chairman Kevin Skunes were in Washington, D.C. this week for the swearing-in of the 116th Congress. The Leadership Team attended several Capitol Hill receptions to welcome both new and returning members of Congress and offer NCGA as a resource to lawmakers as issues of importance to corn growers arise in the new Congressional session.

“NCGA has strong relationships on Capitol Hill, but with so many new members of Congress, many of whom might not represent corn growers, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce NCGA. We were able to stress the importance of creating market opportunities for corn and lay the foundation for a good working relationship in the future,” said Chrisp.

The 116th Congress includes 10 new Senators and 100 new Representatives.



ASA Policy Priorities for 2019

The American Soybean Association (ASA) entered 2019 focused on achieving key federal legislative and regulatory priorities that can benefit soybean farmer competitiveness and profitability.

Topping the list for 2019 is pushing the Administration to resolve its tariff war with China, including rescinding its Section 301 duties if China agrees to lift its 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans.  When and if this happens, the process of rebuilding the U.S. market in China could take years. So, ASA is also pressing to open Free Trade Agreement negotiations with other countries that have potential to import more soy and livestock products. In addition to the European Union, Great Britain and Japan, prospects include Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Another initiative to increase U.S. competitiveness is to double funding for the FMD and MAP export promotion programs.  Funding projects that upgrade the inland waterway system infrastructure is also high on ASA’s list. Finally, ASA remains focused on extending the biodiesel tax credit, both retroactively for 2018 and forward to 2023.  Each of these priorities would help restore U.S. competitiveness and farmer profitability in 2019 and future years.

One must-do item no longer on the list is enacting the 2018 Farm Bill. ASA pushed hard for Congress to find strong bipartisan majorities to pass the “Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,” which President Donald Trump signed on Dec.  20.  The legislation extends programs that have provided a needed assurance of price and income protection, and allows producers to choose between the PLC and county ARC programs four times on a farm-by-farm and crop-by-crop basis.

The bill also raises the soybean marketing assistance loan rate to $6.20 from $5 per bushel, and increases the cap on the CRP to 27 from 24 million acres. These provisions were strongly supported by ASA. ASA also worked to convince the Administration to approve a second MFP payment in December, providing soybean farmers with $1.65 per bushel on their entire 2018 production.



Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 10

Thursday, January 10th is the deadline for the early registration discount for Commodity Classic—America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience.

The 2019 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit CommodityClassic.com.  A complete schedule of events is also available on the website.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a huge trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.

Commodity Classic is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. 



Cargill performs reliably in a dynamic, uncertain environment

Cargill today reported results for the fiscal 2019 second quarter and first half ended Nov. 30, 2018. Key measures include:
-    Adjusted operating earnings were $853 million, down 10 percent from the $948 million earned in last year’s strong comparative period. This brought first-half earnings to $1.74 billion, a 5 percent decrease from the prior year.
-    Net earnings on a U.S. GAAP basis for the quarter were $741 million, a 20 percent decline from $924 million in the year-ago period. For the half, net earnings dipped 7 percent to $1.76 billion.
-    Second-quarter revenues decreased 4 percent to $28 billion, bringing the year-to-date figure to $56.7 billion.

“Our teams executed in a world of uncertainty to bring the best solutions to our customers and the consumers they serve,” said Dave MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and chief executive officer. MacLennan referenced Cargill’s ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions throughout the quarter and deliver safe, reliable and sustainably produced foods to their destinations. “Now, we are pushing to ready our businesses for the future with continuous improvement, financial discipline and a disruptive mindset.”
Segment results

Animal Nutrition & Protein was the largest contributor to Cargill’s adjusted operating earnings, with results just below last year’s strong comparative quarter. Performance in North American protein moved higher, as robust demand for beef and large supplies of fed cattle boosted beef production and sales to domestic and export markets. Demand for egg products also drove protein earnings. Continued political instability in Central America and market challenges in Southeast Asia reduced results in the segment’s global poultry business. Sales volumes for salmon and shrimp feeds in the North Sea region and Mexico, respectively, were up, but animal nutrition earnings trailed the prior year due to adverse market conditions in several regions. This included lower hog volumes in China and Vietnam, and unfavorable dairy and poultry economics in the U.S.

Cargill expanded in Colombia with the acquisition of Campollo, one of the country’s leading makers of chicken and protein products. The deal complements the purchase of Colombia-based Pollos El Bucanero last fiscal year and advances the segment’s strategy to serve growing protein demand in emerging markets with world-class poultry products.

Food Ingredients & Applications decreased on mixed results across the segment. Starches and sweeteners earnings decreased on historically low ethanol prices in North America and higher energy and raw material costs in Europe. Lower sales volume and higher operating costs in North America trimmed otherwise strong cocoa and chocolate performance in other regions. Good positioning helped lift edible oils above last year. Bioindustrial posted a solid gain, while salt earnings edged ahead as higher road salt production costs were offset by increased results in food and water quality.

The segment announced Avansya, a new joint venture with Royal DSM that will produce zero-calorie sweetness solutions through fermentation. These products, such as steviol glycosides Reb M and Reb D, will give food and beverage companies a more scalable, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to extracting them from stevia plants. Avansya will market these products under the EverSweet™ brand. Subject to regulatory approvals, the venture is expected to launch in the first quarter of calendar 2019.

Origination & Processing earnings rose as the segment leveraged its global network to keep products moving while navigating volatile agricultural markets disrupted by trade turbulence. Oilseed processing stayed strong in North America and Europe, bolstered by growing protein consumption that drove global demand for soybean meal for livestock feeds. Grain exports from the U.S. and Canada, and biodiesel production in Europe also contributed to the strong quarter.  Better-than-anticipated crops in Argentina supported a gain for the segment in South America.

Cargill announced two new projects to further digitalize the agricultural supply chain to the benefit of farmers and end users. With Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill agreed to form Grainbridge, a technology joint venture that intends to provide support to North American farmers on grain marketing decisions, e-commerce and account management software. The venture will consolidate information on production and grain marketing into a single digital platform for farmers at no cost to them. Cargill also announced a collaboration with ADM, Bunge and Louis Dreyfus to investigate ways to standardize and digitalize global agricultural shipping transactions, leveraging technology to the benefit of the entire industry. This will reduce time- and resource-intensive processes, lowering costs and increasing transparency for customers in supply chains. In late December, COFCO International joined the initiative. The companies are seeking broad-based industry participation to promote global access and adoption.

Industrial & Financial Services trailed the year-ago quarter, due in part to broader weakness in financial markets that negatively affected Cargill’s investments in managed funds. The ocean transportation business lagged last year as freight markets declined sharply in response to weakening macroeconomic sentiment, the uncertain effects of trade conflict on commodity flows, and the hesitance of third-party charterers to contract vessels ahead of the implementation of new international rules on sulphur dioxide emissions. Elsewhere, the segment’s metals and risk management businesses posted increased earnings for the period.



Merck Joins Effort to Enhance Cattle Raising through Sponsorship of Stockmanship & Stewardship Program

Thanks to new sponsorship from Merck Animal Health, up to six regional Stockmanship & Stewardship events will be coordinated by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association throughout the United States in 2019. Additional funding and support for the program is provided by the beef checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program.

                Stockmanship & Stewardship events bring together cattle producers from a large area for a two-day cattle handling and educational program. They will highlight proper and accepted stockmanship techniques, and provide local stewardship information appropriate for the region. Events have been held throughout the country over the past two years.

                “It’s great to have Merck Animal Health join our team in this work to enhance cattle handling and stewardship,” according to Chase DeCoite, director of BQA at NCBA. “Merck has been a strong partner of the beef industry and NCBA in our BQA and other programs over the past several years. We look forward to their partnership in this widely successful education effort.”

                “Merck Animal Health is proud to sponsor this important initiative and to work more closely with NCBA to educate our cattle producers,” says Kevin Mobley, executive director of marketing and sales at Merck Animal Health. “Animal care and handling is critical to the success of our producers’ operations and an important focus for Merck Animal Health.”

                Stockmanship & Stewardship events include live cattle demonstration and hands-on opportunities, as well as BQA training with possible classroom sessions. In addition to cattle handling and effective stockmanship, possible elements of regional sessions include sustainability and environmental stewardship, animal health and regional issues and hot topics.

                More information on upcoming Stockmanship & Stewardship events will be announced at the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, La. For more information on either the Stockmanship & Stewardship or BQA programs, contact DeCoite at cdecoite@beef.org.



Copperhead Agricultural Products Acquires RK Products

Two great agricultural companies are coming together to provide enhanced products for farmers. Copperhead Agricultural Products, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will acquire RK Products, based in Moline, Illinois, and founded by Phil Kester.

“Copperhead Agricultural Products first took notice of RK Products in 2015, since they adhere to the same high-quality standards,” says Jake Jass, Copperhead Agricultural Products sales & marketing manager. “Phil is a genuine engineer who always stands behind his work and is committed to helping farmers address wear issues with their corn planters.”

Since 2015, Copperhead Ag and RK Products have been working in partnership to expand the RK footprint so even more farmers can take advantage of their products. In 2018, after 20 years in the business, the Kester family made the tough choice to sell their company in order to focus on other areas.

“Copperhead Ag is excited to accept the challenge of growing the name recognition of RK Products and taking on the responsibility of manufacturing, selling and servicing their products,” Jass says.

Products that will be available under the RK product line include the gauge wheel arm pivot kit and the closing wheel frame pivot kit. The kits upgrade pivot and wear points on the gauge wheel arm and closing wheel frame. These kits, now offered by Copperhead Ag, provide an improved design to those components while repairing previous wear and significantly reducing future wear, without compromise.

For more information on Copperhead Agricultural Products and RK Products, please visit www.copperheadag.com.